Scoop: Platinum's New Bayonetta Project Budgeted Like FF16, Major Combat Overhaul, Metal Gear Rising Remake Advancing Simultaneously

Bayonetta fans may have to wait until 2028 to see Bayo again — and the version that arrives might look a little different from the one we know.

Recently, a leak from a domestic Chinese source was picked up and reported by multiple overseas outlets including wccftech and tech4gamers, revealing that PlatinumGames is currently working on three projects simultaneously: a brand-new Bayonetta title, an HD remaster of the original Bayonetta (2009), and an HD remaster of Metal Gear Rising: Revengeance. All projects are being developed on Unreal Engine 5.

The combat system is the most notable aspect of the new title — and the part that gives me some pause. The new game reportedly features a reworked combat system aimed at "reducing complexity and appealing to a broader audience" — Witch Weave attacks will directly consume a resource bar instead of the old mechanic, with shield defense and parry systems being added, though the dodge system remains unchanged. The phrase "reducing complexity" immediately brings to mind the age-old debate that resurfaces with every Final Fantasy entry: are you making it for new players, or for veterans?

In terms of budget, the project is reportedly benchmarked against Final Fantasy XVI, has been in development for roughly two years, and is targeting a 2028 release. Unfortunately, the leaker's assessment isn't particularly glowing — "overall performance is average, nothing especially impressive." Measured against the Bayonetta series' signature high-octane action style, "average" is a bit of a cold word.

As for the two remaster projects, PlatinumGames has reportedly reacquired the rights to the original Bayonetta, and both remasters are described as closer to "HD upscales" rather than full remakes, with an expected multi-platform release next year.

It bears reminding that all of the above remains unverified leak material — treat it with caution until there's an official announcement. The feel of slicing through armor with Metal Gear Rising's high-frequency blade, and the razor-sharp rhythm of Bayonetta's combat, are both worth waiting for — just hopefully not in a version that's had all its edges sanded down.